Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)

Question Time is becoming repetitive in that the Minister repeatedly makes the assertion that he puts a case to the Commission but loses. Farmers need income in their pockets. There is a whole section of our economy that is on its knees, namely, the farming community. Whether it is with regard to sheep tagging or REPS, we hear the same reply all of the time - the Minister put a case, the Commission said "No" and the Minister accepted that as the final word and came home. We need to win some battles in Europe. That is why the Minister is there. Unfortunately, in all of the major tests, he is losing.

With regard to the 17 May deadline, farmers will see their existing REPS payment, whether for REPS 2, REPS 3 or REPS 4, expire after that deadline. Under the scheme as envisaged, they will not be able to get into the new agri-environment scheme until the following year. Will there be a rolling date for applications so persons whose schemes expire will not be locked out for however many months apply for the remainder of 2010 and until May next year?

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